This Week's News Items for Social Workers 8/27/16

     Here are five recent items in the news of interest to social workers.

Social Worker Facilitates Reunion for Homeless Veteran

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/08/homeless-veteran-finds-his-family-after-32-years-after-facebook-message-from-va-social-worker/

     A social worker in Atlanta, GA, used Facebook to help reunite a homeless army veteran with his family after 32 years apart.

University of Chicago Eschews “Trigger Warnings’’ and Safe Spaces

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-university-of-chicago-safe-spaces-letter-met-20160825-story.html

     In a letter to incoming freshmen, the University of Chicago says it does not condone “trigger warnings” and “safe spaces” designed to prevent students from viewing or hearing stressful or uncomfortable content.  

Fentanyl Use on the Rise

http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/25/health/dea-fentanyl-increase-cdc/

     According to the DEA, law enforcement is seeing more cases of fentanyl use than ever before.  

Do Black Women’s Lives Matter To Social Work?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/crystal-m-hayes/do-black-womens-lives-matter-to-social-work-a-gender-analysis-of-racialized-state-sanctioned-police-violence_b_11656162.html

     Social worker Crystal M. Hayes comments on issues facing Black women, the nation, and social work.  

NASW Comments on TANF

http://www.socialworkblog.org/advocacy/2016/08/nasw-disappointed-with-temporary-assistance-for-needy-families-urges-reforms/

     The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) releases a statement expressing disappointment in the effectiveness of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Act, signed into law 20 years ago this week.